Giving to the San Luis Obispo Symphony

Since its inception in 1961, the SLO Symphony has played a crucial role in enhancing the Central Coast with its artistic, economic, and educational contributions. Our season boasts cherished events such as the annual “Pops” at Avila Beach, the bi-annual New Year’s Eve Pops concert, five Classics at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly, and select chamber music performances. These important programs are expensive to maintain, and we rely on your support to continue fostering music education and cultural vibrancy in our community.

Ways to Give

Immediate Giving

These donations provide crucial support for our ongoing needs and activities, ensuring the SLO Symphony can continue to offer enriching performances and educational programs. Your contributions can be in the form of cash, securities, or other assets, allowing us to use these gifts right away to bring beautiful music to the Central Coast community. 

sforzando (It.) /sfôrtˈsändō/ – having a sudden or marked emphasis

Make a One-Time Gift

sostenuto (It.) /sästəˈno͞odō/ – in a sustained manner

Make a Monthly Gift

You may donate to the symphony by phone at (805) 543-3533.

To maximize your gift by eliminating the credit card fee, send a check to our office at

75 Higuera St., Suite 160
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Sponsorships

Individuals and companies alike benefit from sponsoring an event, musician or a program.

Read more about sponsorship opportunities →

Legacy Giving / Planned Giving

magnum opus (It.) /ˌmaɡnəm ˈōpəs/ – a large and important work of art, music, or literature, especially one regarded as the most important work of an artist or writer

This type of support allows you to make a lasting impact on the SLO Symphony. By arranging future contributions through methods like bequests, charitable gift annuities, trusts, or naming us as a beneficiary in your life insurance policy, you can help secure the future of our orchestra. Legacy giving ensures that your love for music and the arts continues to benefit our community for generations to come.

Contact us to make a Legacy Gift.

The Virtuoso Society

virtuoso (It.) /vir.tuˈo.so/ – virtuous, skilled

The noun most often understood as somebody exquisitely skilled in an instrument, originates from the Italian adjective “virtuoso,” which initially described someone as “virtuous” and “skilled.” The Virtuoso Society was established to honor those who have demonstrated true virtue by including the Symphony in their legacy planning.

Read more about the Virtuoso Society →


Charitable Deduction

  1. Individuals who itemize their deductions can deduct charitable contributions to the SLO Symphony up to 60% of their adjusted gross income (AGI) for cash donations or stock at 30%. This deduction reduces taxable income, potentially lowering the overall tax liability.
  2. California State Tax Benefits: California allows a state tax deduction for charitable contributions similar to the federal deduction
  3. Tax-Free Gifts from IRAs: Individuals aged 70½ or older can make Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) directly from their IRAs to charities, up to $100,000 per year. This amount can be excluded from taxable income.
  4. Contributions of appreciated property, such as stocks or real estate, can provide additional tax benefits. By donating appreciated assets, donors can avoid paying capital gains taxes on the appreciation.

Your gift can be designated to a program.

If you are interested in Immediate Giving follow this link

Depending on the type of legacy gift and personal situation you may be able to have a charitable deduction, reduced estate tax liability, avoidance of capital gains taxes, and an income stream.

Bequests

Bequests can be made through wills, life insurance contracts, IRAs, 401(k) plans, nonqualified deferred compensation plans, or trusts.

  1. Charitable Deduction: Bequests can provide significant tax benefits by reducing the size of the taxable estate, potentially lowering estate tax liability.
  2. Flexibility and Simplicity: Bequests can be made through a will or living trust and can specify an exact amount, a percentage of the estate, or the remainder after other bequests are made.

Charitable Gift Annuities

  1. Income for Life: In exchange for their gift, donors receive fixed income payments for life, a portion of which may be tax-free.
  2. Immediate Tax Deduction: Donors can claim a charitable deduction for a portion of the annuity transfer.
  3. Reduced Capital Gains: When funding an annuity with appreciated assets, donors can spread the capital gains tax over the annuity payments.

The SLO Symphony offers charitable gift annuities in conjunction with third-party administrators. If you are interested in Legacy Giving, please speak with your financial advisor, tax planner, and estate planning attorney. Our Donor Relations Manager can answer questions regarding the programs we offer.

Charitable Remainder Trusts (CRTs)

  1. Income Stream: CRTs provide income to the donor or other beneficiaries for life or a term of years.
  2. Immediate Tax Deduction: Donors receive an immediate income tax deduction for the present value of the remainder interest.
  3. Capital Gains Tax Avoidance: The trust can sell appreciated assets without incurring capital gains taxes.
  4. Estate Tax Reduction: CRTs can also reduce estate taxes by removing the donated assets from the donor’s taxable estate .

Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs)

  1. Income to Charity: CLTs usually provide the SLO Symphony with a fixed income stream for a set term, with the remainder returning to the donor or their beneficiaries.
  2. Estate, Income, and Gift Tax Benefits: These trusts can reduce estate and gift taxes, making them beneficial for transferring wealth to heirs while supporting the Symphony.

Special Funds

Endowments

Your gift to our endowments at the SLO Community Foundation leaves a lasting legacy. Contact the Community Foundation at 805-543-2323 and let them know you would like to give to the SLO Symphony Endowment.

Gifts of Stock

We can accept gifts of stock for our endowments through our account at Vanguard. Please contact us to make a gift of stock.

John Baer Music Education Fund

After retiring from his career as an airline pilot for United Airlines, John Baer devoted much of his time as a volunteer and donor to support the arts community. He was especially active for the SLO Symphony through the Music Van Instrument Petting Zoo presentations which bring instruments to children throughout San Luis Obispo County. The Instrument Petting Zoo is often a child’s first opportunity to hold and play a real instrument and sparks an interest in learning music in a powerful way. John was instrumental in obtaining the van itself and cared deeply about the mission of sharing music with the students in our community. 

Gifts to the John Baer Music Education Fund are inspired by John’s commitment to classical music education for children. These funds will directly support youth in the SLO Symphony’s music education programs, remove barriers for student participation, and get instruments in more children’s hands, supporting classical music education for years to come. We invite you to contribute to the fund to honor John’s legacy.

Support the John Baer Music Education Fund